Exploring Gender Identity

Power of Place

by Sequoia Elisabeth on December 15, 2010

Have you ever noticed how when you are in a certain place your thoughts, feelings and actions often differ from what they might be somewhere else? For instance, do you act differently at a professional baseball game than you would at your son’s t-ball game? How about at church verses at work?

Why do people act differently at a party with their peers than they would at a family gathering? Does this mean the person has multiple personalities? Or could this mean that the person is being caught in the flow of energy present in that place?

Notice how you act in certain places and with certain people. What is going on here? I believe it is the energy influence in a certain place combined with the other people there that influence your behavior. It is common to place these differences on the other person, (psychologists call this projection, and people can project on places too). It is quite possible that the place is having an effect on you. This effect is in combination with other people, and they are being influenced by the place also. Big crowds are famous for the mass effect or group consciousness that controls large numbers of people. Riots are often under this influence.

If you walk into a large cathedral of exceptional reputation and beauty you expect peace and quiet. You would expect reverence. The expectations are different for a movie theatre or stadium. Part of the very reason you are attending those events is for the experience of that place! While this may seem obvious to some, not everyone is aware that the place is influencing your behavior.

It does not have to be that way. Jesus taught to be in the world, and not of it. What does this mean? It means that you have a choice everywhere you go whether you allow yourself to be swept up in the experience of a place and how you act in this place. If two baseball fans get into a fight, you have the choice of getting involved or not. Even if they strike you, it is still up to you whether you strike back. Jesus tells us, “To those who strike you on the cheek, offer the other also.” This I believe is how you be in the world, but not of it. To strike back is being of it.

Be aware of where you are and embrace this feeling. Know that the place is influencing your feelings as are other factors, such are the people there, your thoughts about the place and their thoughts about you and the place. The ultimate power is in consciousness, because it makes up not only your thoughts and their thoughts but the very place you are experiencing!